The English Language Institute

The English Language Institute

Through its English Language Institute (ELI), Lincoln Memorial University offers classes in English as a Second Language (ESL) to all international students who need to improve their reading, writing, speaking, listening, and grammar skills. The mission of the ELI is to provide international students with instruction in ESL and to prepare them for academic and professional success. The goals include:

To teach ESL to international students enrolled in the ELI

To build knowledge among international students of the history and cultures of the United States

To present international students enrolled in ELI with college level academic programs offered at LMU

To prepare international students with language and academic skills for admission into LMU undergraduate or graduate studies;

To recruit international students to build a more diverse student population at LMU

To provide a rich intercultural communication among the student population at LMU and the surrounding communities; and

To encourage all LMU students to become global citizens who understand and esteem the cultures of other countries of the world and to recognize the values of these cultures.

International students who are admitted to the University but who do not receive a minimum score of 61 on the required Test of English as a Foreign Language Internet-Based Test (TOEFL iBT) are required to enroll in ELI classes. An ELI placement test determines the level in which students will be placed, and students continue through the ELI program until they complete the English for Academic Purposes (EAP) classes.

The ELI program consists of four skill levels, representing beginning to high-intermediate English proficiency. Classes meet Monday through Friday. Each level will include 24 hours of weekly classroom instruction and six hours of required language lab.

In addition, two classes in English for Academic Purposes are offered to assist students with a smooth transition into college classes. College students whose first language is not English and who receive a TOEFL iBT score of 70 or less will be enrolled in English for Academic Purposes classes. These EAP classes may be taken in conjunction with college level courses.

Admission to undergraduate programs at LMU requires a minimum TOEFL score of 61. For students who have completed the ELI program and who then apply to LMU, TOEFL test preparation classes will be scheduled to assist students in preparing for taking the TOEFL test.